Preston Lockwood

Preston Lockwood, born Reginald Herbert Lockwood on October 30, 1912, in Essex, England, was a distinguished actor celebrated for his extensive work in television and radio. He was the only son of bus driver Herbert Lewis Lockwood and Ethel May Lockwood (née Preston), and he had two older sisters, Sylvia and Phyllis. Lockwood adopted his mother’s maiden name as his professional name.

Lockwood gained recognition primarily for his memorable television roles. He is perhaps best remembered for portraying the character Butterfield, the butler, in the beloved series *Jeeves and Wooster*. His talent shone through in various other notable programs, including his poignant appearance as Reverend Pottle in the inaugural episode of *The Vicar of Dibley*, where his character's unexpected demise ushered in the arrival of Geraldine Granger. His diverse credits also encompass popular series such as *Poldark*, *Shoestring*, *Doctor Who*, *Tenko*, *Miss Marple*, *All Creatures Great and Small*, and *Inspector Morse*.

In addition to his television work, Lockwood contributed significantly to BBC Radio, notably voicing Dennis the Dachshund in the children's program *Toytown*. One of his last performances was as Coriakin, the magician, in the 1989 BBC adaptation of *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, part of the beloved *Chronicles of Narnia* series. Preston Lockwood passed away on April 24, 1996, leaving behind a legacy of cherished performances.